saddlepunk

Thanks Colin, the answer is, of course, to go to Lexus Cardiff and buy a new key. Will do. The only lock the key works in is the ignition - so it must be the ignition lock that has been changed.

If I have the valet key how come I can open the boot with the button on the keyfob, and why won't it work in the door locks? I thought the valet key worked on the door locks but didn't allow access to the glovebox or boot.

I HPI checked the car and it's fine.

Tigerfish, thankyou for that - I didn't read your reply before posting again. The key barrel doesn't pop out - can I get around it to enable the boot release lever?

I was going to take it (2001 GS430) to my local garage - do I need a Lexus specialist for general servicing, handbrake repairs etc etc? If so, does anyone recommend a mechanic/garage near me in Ammanford - 12 miles from Carmarthen, Swansea, Llanelli?

I have realised that I don't have to hold the key fob up close to the boot to get it to open , all you have to do is let the LED flash twice and the boot opens every time and at quite some distance. Short of spending a small fortune at the main dealers (a guy on the phone this morning said between £2,000 and £3,000 - yes, I had to ask him to repeat it) [the car cost £1,500 and I only need it for six months or so] I'll open the boot every time I go to the car and build up some confidence in it. One final question - the lock barrel between the internal fuel flap and bootlid releases - needless to say my key doesn't turn it, but what if I disabled it or shorted accross it? Would that allow the bootlid release to work?

I bought my first Lexus last week - I say first because I'm so impressed I doubt it will be my last - a 2001 GS430. The car came with one key with a key fob that had the boot opening button missing. The key fob remotely locks and unlocks the car and the key starts the car, but it doesn't turn in any of the car's locks. The internal boot opening lever doesn't work so I can't open the boot internally. I bought a s/h key fob on ebay and have made one good fob out of the two so that all buttons are present and the boot opens on the second flash of the LED if I hold the fob right next to the boot lock. My question is why doesn't my key turn in any of the locks? I assume the locks have been changed or the one ignition lock/barrel has been changed. It all seems a bit strange - I can only think that the car has been stolen at some stage. I got the car extremely cheap so I'm not too concerned, but I am a little worried about what happens if the key fob stops working, and I'm also loathed to use the boot because I have no way of opening it if the keyfob malfunctions. I'd be grateful for your comments and recommendations.